Feeding Alfalfa Hay

[Little Wolf Ranch]

Purchased some square bales of alfalfa hay today at TSC and want to start feeding it to my broodmares and foals. Gave everyone a handful and they all seem to like it however one mare picks at it.

My question is, it seems to be a bit stemmy so should I soak it to make it more palatable? If so how long should I soak it for?

Also, how much would you feed for lactating mares per feeding? I just gave everyone a handful to make sure they liked it. They have been eating 1 lb of alfalfa pellets per day.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

My horses prefer the stemmy alfalfa. I would not soak it.

I got an older mare last year and she would not eat alfalfa for several days. She probably had never seen it in her life. But she enjoys it down to the last stem and leaf now.

Cannot help you with how much to feed.

 

[chandab]

You should be able to feed the same amount pound for pound as what you were feeding in the alfalfa pellets; it's still alfalfa. I'd make over a couple days, just so they get used to the different texture; but if they are already eating a form of alfalfa, switching forms shouldn't be a problem and shouldn't cause upset.

 

I fed a flake each girl in the morning and watched to see when it was gone. Then always a flake at night if they were stalled, so they could munch all night.

If they've never had it before, just give them a little time. Pretty soon I think you'll see it all gone. And I wouldn't soak it.